Thread by @ChristoPhraser

As primary schools and some secondary schools in England and re-open tomorrow, the situation is unprecedented. The rate of confirmed infection in children is at its highest level yet. The situation is very different from last time there was a debate about school openings 1/n

I think schools should close until case numbers are lower and it has been demonstrated that current restrictions can send the emerging new virus variant into decline. 2/n

I agree that schools should be last to close and first to open. However the current situation can hardly be described as safe, especially for older and vulnerable staff. Staff should be offered vaccines soon. 3/n

Rotas need to be organised to protect older and vulnerable staff. Mass testing will help, but it will need some weeks to get well organised, and to be proven in this difficult context. 4/n

I agree with all those who have said that this is a complex issue, with every course of action involving trading off harms. However, the epidemic situation has changed since these trade-offs were last properly considered. 5/n

I look forward to seeing the broad assessment presented here updated soon 6/n assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…